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Your First Steps in the
Israeli Workforce
Made Aliyah? We help new immigrants navigate Israeli employment law, keep their foreign income compliant, and build a career in Israel — without the paperwork maze.
What’s Your Employment Situation?
Every Oleh’s path is different. Tell us where you are and we’ll show you exactly how CWS Israel can help.
Employer of Record
I still work for my foreign employer
You’ve made Aliyah but your US, UK, or Australian company wants to keep you on. You need a legal way to receive your salary in Israel, pay Israeli taxes, and get full social benefits — without your employer setting up a local entity.
Payroll & Compliance
I found a job with an Israeli company
Mazal tov! You’ve secured local employment. Now you need to understand your rights: pension contributions, sick leave, severance, vacation days, and what your payslip should actually look like under Israeli law.
Freelancer Shield
I want to freelance internationally
You’re a tech professional, consultant, or creative who wants to invoice global clients without opening an Osek Murshe. Freelancer Shield gives you the legal structure, Israeli social security, and pension — all handled.
What Every Oleh Needs to Know
Israeli employment law differs significantly from the US, UK, and other countries. Here are the six things that catch new immigrants off guard.
National Insurance
Every Israeli resident must register with Bituach Leumi. Failure to register results in back-payment of premiums. Your employer pays ~7.6% and you pay ~3.5% of salary.
Mandatory Pension Fund
Employers must enrol employees in a pension fund within 3 months. Employer contributes ~7.5% + 8.33% severance reserve. Employee contributes 6%.
10-Year Tax Exemption
New Olim receive a 10-year exemption on foreign-source income — meaning your foreign salary or dividends may not be taxable in Israel for a decade.
Written Contract Required
Israeli law requires employers to provide a written employment notice within 30 days of start date, specifying salary, hours, job title, and applicable collective agreements.
Dmei Havra’a (Annual Bonus)
All employees are entitled to an annual recuperation payment. In 2026 the rate is ₪451.50 per day, paid once a year typically in July/August.
Pitzuim (Severance)
Employees with more than one year of service are entitled to severance pay equal to one month’s salary per year worked, typically pre-funded through the pension fund.
CWS Israel Does the Hard Part
We’ve helped hundreds of Olim untangle their employment situation since 2014.
Employment Contracts & Paperwork
We draft and manage all employment documentation in Hebrew and English, ensuring full legal compliance from day one.
Payroll & Tax Withholding
Monthly payroll processed on time, including income tax, Bituach Leumi, and all statutory deductions — with payslips in English.
Pension & Benefits Enrolment
We register your pension fund, health insurance supplement, and all mandatory benefits — guiding you through the Israeli benefits landscape step by step.
Ongoing HR Support in English
Got a question about your rights? Our team responds within 24 hours — in your language.
Foreign Employer Bridge
We act as the legal employer in Israel for your US or European company, so you can continue working for your existing employer without either party needing Israeli legal expertise.
Olim Tax Benefit Structuring
We work with your accountant to ensure your 10-year foreign-income exemption is properly documented and preserved.
Your First 30 Days With CWS
From your first call to your first compliant payslip — here’s how fast it happens.
Free 30-Minute Consultation
We assess your employment situation, explain your options, and recommend the right structure — EOR, payroll, or Freelancer Shield. No obligation.
Day 1
Service Agreement & Onboarding
We send a service agreement in English. Once signed, we collect your Teudat Oleh, bank details, and any existing employer information to begin setup.
Days 2–5
Legal Employment Structure Set Up
Employment contract drafted, pension fund enrolled, Bituach Leumi registered. We handle every government interaction on your behalf.
Days 5–14
First Payslip Issued
You receive your first fully compliant Israeli payslip — in English — with every line explained. Your employer (or CWS) remits all taxes on time.
By Day 30
Olim Ask Us This Every Week
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Can my US / UK / Australian employer keep paying me after I make Aliyah?▼Yes — but not directly. Paying you as a freelancer or wiring money to your Israeli account creates significant legal exposure for your employer. The clean solution is CWS Israel acting as your Employer of Record.
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Do I need to pay Israeli income tax on my foreign salary from day one?▼New Olim receive a 10-year exemption on foreign-source income under Section 14 of the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance. This is worth discussing with a tax adviser before your aliyah date.
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Do I need to open an Osek to work?▼Not if you’re employed by CWS Israel or another Israeli employer. An Osek is only required if you work as a self-employed individual invoicing clients directly.
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What is Bituach Leumi and how much will I pay?▼Bituach Leumi is Israel’s social security system. As an employee, you contribute approximately 3.5% of your salary and your employer contributes approximately 7.6%.
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How many vacation days am I entitled to?▼The legal minimum is 12 working days per year for employees with up to 4 years of service, increasing with seniority up to 24 days after 8+ years.
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What languages does CWS Israel operate in?▼Our team works in English, Hebrew, Russian, and French. All contracts, payslips, and documentation can be provided in English.
Start Your Israeli Career
the Right Way
No confusing government forms. No missed benefits. No legal risk for your employer. Just a 30-minute call and we’ll handle the rest.
Response within 24 hours • No commitment required • English-speaking team
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